Lowell Leibermann Violin Concerto a Modern Masterwork

This release features four violin and orchestra works by American composer Lowell Lieberman. Aiman Mussakhajayeva is the violin soloist in this recording. She wrote, "I believe these works are some of the major pieces in the violin repertoire and will be widely performed."

I have to agree. Liebermann has carved out his own style that uses tonality as a framework. But how those chords relate to each other, and the directions they go in is anything but traditional. Liebermann creates works that can be easily followed on first hearing, yet are totally original. 

The Concerto for Violin and Orchestra premiered in 2001 and delivers on all levels. The solo part provides plenty of material for the violinist to create their own vision. And the music itself is well-constructed, delivering a pleasing aesthetic experience. 

Mussakhajayeva is a talented violinist, and she's committed to this music. The middle movement was intensely expressive (and impressive).

Also included are the Chamber Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 for violin and string orchestra. The first was composed in 1989, the second in 2006. Both were revised in 2022, and those are the versions heard in this recording. 

Aiman Mussakhajayeva performs with the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra, directed by Tigran Shiganyan. Mussakhajayeva is the Artistic Director of the orchestra. This was a home-grown project, but one of the highest quality. 

The orchestra plays with energy and accuracy. Liebermann also performs, playing piano in the first Chamber Concerto. The photos in the booklet show the true friendship between Liebermann and Mussakhajayeva. The music they create together simply confirms it. 

Recommended.  

Lowell Liebermann: Violin Concerto, Op. 74
Chamber Concertos Nos. 1 and 2
Aiman Mussakhajayeva, violin
Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra
Blue Griffen